Device for introducing in real target observation systems apparent motion characteristics quite different from the real characteristics

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a target animator and more particularly to a command mixer operating on a weapon system which substantially includes a sighting telescope movable in elevation and in azimuth responsively to command signals emitted by the aimer, a first input of said mixer receiving said commands and a second input thereof being provided to receive disrupting signals designed to selectively simulate varied movements of a target which may be towed or parachuted or even motionless.

ilnited States Patent [1 1 Aubert et al.

DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING IN REAL TARGET OBSERVATION SYSTEMS APPARENT MOTION CHARACTERISTICS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE REAL CHARACTERISTICS Inventors: Pierre-Camille Aubert, Viroflay; Michel Poesy, Hatenay-Malabry, both of France Societe Nationale lndustrielle Aerospatiale, Paris, France Filed: July 11,1972

Appl. No.: 270,739

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data July 23, 1971 France.....[ 71.26977 US. Cl. 35/25 Int. Cl. G091) 9/00 Field of Search 35/25 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1972 Ormiston 35/25 [4 1 Mar. 55,1974

3,691,284 9/1972 Borjeson 35/25 2,871,578 2/1959 Faisandier... 35/25 2,680,620 6/1954 Dale 35/25 Primary Examiner-Joseph S. Reich Assistant Examiner-l-l. Wolff Attorney, Agent, or Firml(arl W.- Flocks [57] ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a target animator and more particularly to a command mixer operating on a weapon system which substantially includes a sighting telescope movable in elevation and in azimuth responsively to command signals emitted by the aimer, a first input of said mixer receiving said commands'and a second input thereof being provided to receive disrupting signals designed to selectively simulate varied movements of a target which may be towed or parachuted or even motionless.

11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEUHAR 5 I974 SHEET 2 BF 4 DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING IN REAL TARGET OBSERVATION SYSTEMS APPARENT MOTION CHARACTERISTICS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE REAL CHARACTERISTICS The present invention relates to a target animator and more particularly to a command mixer operating on a weapon system which substantially includes a sighting telescope movable in elevation and in azimuth responsively to command signals emitted by the aimer, a first input of said mixer receiving said commands and a second input thereof being provided to receive disrupting signals designed to selectively simulate varied movements of a target which may be towed or parachuted or even motionless.

Anti-aircraft weapon users require targets for training purposes, for proving trails, or for gunnery schools.-

Moreover, the range of anti-aircraft weapons is increasing in breadth and complexity, and the same is true of the aircraft and helicopters which they would be required to engage in the event of a conflict. Hence the state of the art in the matter of targets and target drones should evolve correspondingly in order to satisfy user needs. Obviously, however, apart from essential development testing and trial firings of such target systems, financial limitations and firing-range safety problems have created a requirement for targets which, though simple and inexpensive, are nevertheless capable of causing the weapon system to function under operational conditions which are close enough to reality.

The present invention provides an overall solution to this problem.

ln the present state of the art it is customary to select from the existing range of targets the target that best meets the existing requirement while accepting certain limitations stemming either from the cost or performance of the chosen target. The targets currently available on the market can be divided into different categories, as indicated in the following non-limitative list:

Target drones, command-guided or not (CT-10, CT- 20, Chukard Firebee .lyndiwick Radioplane KDB l Road Runner, etc). The characteristics of these target drones (visibility, flight' path, angular velocity, etc.,) are satisfactory for the representation of subsonic or supersonic targets. The principal drawbacks of such targets are their cost and the occasional danger inherent in their use (should the target go out of control).

Parachutes and free or captive balloons: this inexpensive type of target offers satisfactory visibility characteristics; however, the quality of animation of the flight path is very mediocre or inexistent (e.g. in the case of captive balloons).

Targets towed by aircraft or by target drones (Dornier, etc. This low-cost type of target possesses qualities ofanimation comparable to those of the towing aircraft but calls for an adequate infrastructure. Furthermore, theiroptical visibility or their radar reflective area (unless equipped with a transponder) is low if high speeds are required, since they have to be small in size.

animation, and in some cases their presence close to the ground can be a great nuisance for tracking radars, proximity fuzes, etc.

It is the object of the present invention to avoid having to embody expensive performance characteristics (such as a long flight time or high speed) in a target when comparable results can be obtained inexpensively by means of an animator device which is associated to the weapon system and in certain cases supplemented by equipment located on the garet.

The invention is applicable to the different weapon 7 systems, such as ground-to-grou'nd, ship-to-ship, air-toair, air-to-ground, or any other system, during trials or training sessions,'or'on gunnery courses, whether with simulated or real firings.

More generally; it is applicable to all continuous aiming or tracking systems.

This combination of means utilizing existing or future targets, whether launched or released (or deployed by any other method), utilizing optical or other aiming sights, that introduces rational elements determined by programs applied to the weapon system will hereinafter be referred to by the conventional designation CLA- VIER.

Deployment of the CLAVIER system requires the use of any existing orfuture target, possibly associated tospecific modified on non-modified equipment such as transponders, tracers, reflectors, rangefinders, etc. Such targets, which may possibly have modest performance characteristics only (parachutes, balloons, gliding targets, etc.) are associated to a mixer device that processes programmed signals which are introduced in electrical (or anyother) form directly at the level of the aiming system (manual or automatic) or supplied to an electrically, mechanically, hydraulically or otherwise controlled mount for the weapon system (examples being revolving platforms, multi-axis tables, etc.).

Said programmed signals continually tend to modify the operation being carried out by the weapon operator or by the aiming system, in order to throw off the aim. The weapon operator (or the automatic aiming system) must then fetch the sight back onto the target by supplying corresponding countering commands, thus providing him with aiming practice which may be as exhaustive as desired and which realistically simulates the flight'patterns of actual targets.

In the CLAVIER system, the target utilized is no more than a materialization thereof, the properties of target manoeuvrability being supplied as required by a program of suitable signals. The targets may possibly include means for varying certain of their performance characteristics, such as their optical, infrared or radio visibility. Different programs allow simulating any actual type of firing.

The programmer, which may be initiated by or synchronized with the aiming process or with the firing sequence, may be formed by one or more magnetic recorders or by any other convenient type of electronic,

electromechanical, optical-electronicor other type of It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the animator according to this invention includes, in the schematically described case of an aiming sight orientable in azimuth and elevation by more or less simple remote-control means slaved to the command signals, at least one dual-input command mixer, the command signals generated in response to a deviation of the line of sight (or aiming axis) from the direction of the target being fed to the mixer through a first input thereof, and aim disrupting signals being fed in through the second input thereof in order that the commanded deviation should be caused to vary from the actual deviation unexpectedly and randomly from the weapon aimers point of view.

Further particularities and advantages will emerge from the description which follows of several possible embodiments of the invention, given with reference to the accompanying non-Iimitative exemplary drawings;

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits of a manually controlled opticalanimator according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a corresponding view to FIG. 1 of an animator mounted on an automatic tracking device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a simplified alternative embodiment; and 1 FIG. 4 shows yet another alternative embodiment.

Reference to FIG. 1 shows an aiming sight 1 which can be rotated in elevation by a motor 2' that rotates the shaft X X, and in azimuth by a motor 3 that rotates the shaft 22'.

The command signals reach the motors 2 and 3 via transmission lines 4 and 5, respectively, which are possibly equipped with amplifiers 6, in response to signals applied. to lines 25 and 26 by the aimer or aimers of the sight 1, who operate manual azimuth and elevation control levers 7 and 8, respectively, responsively to the signals applied to lines 15 and 16.

Theweapon system, generally designated by reference numeral 10 and framed in dash lines, is a conventional one. The animator according to this invention, generally designated by reference numeral 9, includes two command mixers 11 and 12, a programmed interference signal generator 13 and the target 14.

Through the, agency of transmission lines I abd 16, the generator 13 introduces into mixers 11 and 12 aiming deviations that compel the aimer to react even if the target is stationary of its uniform motion (due to its being towed or to its descending by parachute, for example) were to enable the aimer, in the absence of such aim deviations, tomaintain the aiming line 17 on target 14 constantly and effortlessly.

Thus the animator system 9 permits of injecting into command mixers 11 and 12 aim-disrupting signals which, from the aimers point of view, result in predetermined motions of the target in the sight. The invennon-consequently makes it possible to use a target that travels along a simple path or may even by stationary, for the purpose of training an aimer to direct his sight at a target the movements of which are unforeseeable and varied.

The alternative embodiment in FIG. 2 is applicable to an automatic tracking device generally designated by reference numeral100. This tracking device 100 may include, for example, a radar receiver 101 which,

Transmission lines 108 introduce command signals into the mixers 111, from which output signals 104 order an elevation angle and an azimuth angle, say, and the signals from lines 105 angular closing rates.

The motors 102 and 103 for respectively controlling the angles of elevation and azimuth are accordingly driven by control means for the purpose of fetching the aiming line 117 onto target 114.

In accordance with this invention, the animator system 109 includes a programmed-signals generator 113 for disrupting the aiming operation which, over the transmission lines 115, introduces an additional devia tion, in any manner predetermined as required, into each command mixer 111.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. In this case it is required to train or test an aimer 18 lying prone on an orientable platform 19. The aimer gized for rotation in either direction, via a transmission line 31 possibly including an amplifier 6. A generator 33 emits programmed disrupting signals which modify the angular position of the aimer 18 with respect to target 21.

Optical device 1 may operate in the visible spectrum or may be sensitive to infrared or other radiation. The radar receiver 101 may be of the electromagnetic type but may alternatively function with a television or laser type infrared device.

The motors 2, 3, 102, 103, 30 are powered by electric, electronic, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic or other means. Likewise, the mixer devices may be of any convenient type.

The target may be target suspended under a parachute, a target drone, a towed target, an aircraft, a helicopter or a ground target, and be equipped or not with such ancillary devices as transponders, tracers, proximity detectors, reflectors, etc.

The generator 13, 113 and 33 may include a magnetic recorder, a film, a magnetic wire, a drum or any other storage system capable of delivering digital or analog signals in electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mag.

netic or other form, for the purpose of reproducing one or more predetermined signals, at the required instant defined by a synchronizing unit 34.

It will readily be appreciated that the CLAVIER animator (for launched or released targets, with aim datapr'oducing rational elements) permits the use of targets of given manoeuvrability characteristics, which, by virtue of this invention, can simulate superior manoeuvrability appropriate to the use of a high-performance weapon system.

Such weapon system may be designed for deployment in the air, on land, at sea or in space, for carrying out firing, aiming or tracking functions. Recourse is accordingly had to programmed signals which modify the aim or the alignment and are applied at the level of the aiming system, or of a mobile supportfor the same. This combination of interdependent means (target, weapon system, CLAVIER system) is capable of generating, for the system operators or for the system itself, appropriate apparent characteristics different from those which could be expected if the target were used alone, and this with great operational flexibility in regard not only to currently operational conventional target but also to target manoeuvring programs.

Reference is next had to FIG. 4 for a showing of a more elaborate embodiment which comprises a tracking unit 200 animated by the animator 209 according to this invention.

The generator 213 applies a first group of signals to the lines 201 (range), 202 (elevation error) and 203 (azimuth error) which, through the agency of mixers 204, 205 and 206 respectively, disrupt, on the one hand, the range servo loop 207 close-circuited by the range-gate generator 208 and the range comparator 209 electrically connected to the RF and video circuits 210 and, on the other, the elevation and aximuth servo loops connected to the elevation and azimuth error measuring circuits 21 ll.

The generator 213 applies a second group of signals to the lines 212, 213, 214 and 215 that disrupt, in the command mixers 216, the speed, range and elevation and azimuth error signals from lines 222, 223, 224-, 225 issuing from the tracking unit 200 to the means 226 for exploiting a firing facility, for instance.

More particularly, the programmed signals from generators 113 or 213 may simulate noise, jamming or a trajectory.

it goes without saying that changes and substitutions of parts may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

. l. A method of animating a moving or stationary real target for training in aiming at moving targets comprising the steps of aligning the optical axis of an aiming device on a real target,

continuously moving the optical axis back into alignment with the real target to compensate for the relative movement of the optical axis and the real tarsimultaneously providing disrupting signals to cause relative movements of the optical axis and the real target through movement of said optical axis of said aiming device in accordance with said disrupt ing signals whereby a predetermined apparent complex animation of the real target is simulated, which animation is superior to its true capabilities so as to provide more elaborate characteristics consistent with the rapidity of response of a weapon system.

2. A target animator in combination with a moving or stationary real target to enable an operator to obtain training in aiming at moving targets comprising a real target,

an aiming device aimed along its optical axis on an aiming line at said real target,

means to move said aiming device connected to said aiming device,

a disrupting signal generator means for simulating target movements by movement of the optical axis of said aiming device and thus causing relative movements of said optical axis and said real target,

command mixer means connected between said disrupting signal generator means and said moving means having an input from said disrupting signal generator means and an output connected to said moving means,

and a command signal transmitting means for cancelling instantaneous angular error between said aiming line and said real target connected to another input of said command mixer means.

3. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by i said command signal transmitting means including lever means for controlling the azimuth angle of said aiming device and other lever means for controlling the elevation angle of said aiming device, both said lever means connected to said command mixer means;

said moving means including motor control means to move said aiming device in accordance with signals from said command mixer means.

4. A target animator according to claim 2 further characterized by i said moving means including motor control means tomove said aiming device in accordance with signals from said command mixer means,

and synchronizing means linked with movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal gener'ator means.

5. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by said command signal transmitting means including servo means to automatically move said aiming device back onto said real target and further including a mixer connected to said servo means and said disrupting signal generator means.

6. A target animator according to claim 5, further characterized by means to produce disrupting signals in synchronized relationship with movements of said real target connected to said disrupting signal generator means.

7. A target animator according to claim 6, further characterized by said disrupting signals being jamming signals.

8. A target animator according to claim 7, further characterized by i said aiming device including tracking means and a remote-controlled installation,

said servo means receiving signals from said disrupting signal generator means applied through said mixer to a first group of circuit means in said servo means for disrupting servo-loops specific to said tracking means, and a second group of circuit means receiving signals from said disrupting signal generator means and said tracking means to control a firing facility.

9. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by synchronizing means linked with movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal generator means.

10. A target animator in combination with a moving or stationary real target to enable an operator to obtain training in aiming at moving targets comprising a real target,

an aiming device aimed along its optical axis on an aiming line at said real target,

a firing platform supporting said aiming device and whereby a trainee operator can move said aiming device to continuously compensate for the aforementioned relative movements of said optical axis and said real target. 11. A target animator according to claim 10, further characterized by synchronizing means'linked with the planned movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal generator means. 

1. A method of animating a moving or stationary real target for training in aiming at moving targets comprising the stePs of aligning the optical axis of an aiming device on a real target, continuously moving the optical axis back into alignment with the real target to compensate for the relative movement of the optical axis and the real target, simultaneously providing disrupting signals to cause relative movements of the optical axis and the real target through movement of said optical axis of said aiming device in accordance with said disrupting signals whereby a predetermined apparent complex animation of the real target is simulated, which animation is superior to its true capabilities so as to provide more elaborate characteristics consistent with the rapidity of response of a weapon system.
 2. A target animator in combination with a moving or stationary real target to enable an operator to obtain training in aiming at moving targets comprising a real target, an aiming device aimed along its optical axis on an aiming line at said real target, means to move said aiming device connected to said aiming device, a disrupting signal generator means for simulating target movements by movement of the optical axis of said aiming device and thus causing relative movements of said optical axis and said real target, command mixer means connected between said disrupting signal generator means and said moving means having an input from said disrupting signal generator means and an output connected to said moving means, and a command signal transmitting means for cancelling instantaneous angular error between said aiming line and said real target connected to another input of said command mixer means.
 3. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by said command signal transmitting means including lever means for controlling the azimuth angle of said aiming device and other lever means for controlling the elevation angle of said aiming device, both said lever means connected to said command mixer means; said moving means including motor control means to move said aiming device in accordance with signals from said command mixer means.
 4. A target animator according to claim 2 further characterized by said moving means including motor control means to move said aiming device in accordance with signals from said command mixer means, and synchronizing means linked with movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal generator means.
 5. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by said command signal transmitting means including servo means to automatically move said aiming device back onto said real target and further including a mixer connected to said servo means and said disrupting signal generator means.
 6. A target animator according to claim 5, further characterized by means to produce disrupting signals in synchronized relationship with movements of said real target connected to said disrupting signal generator means.
 7. A target animator according to claim 6, further characterized by said disrupting signals being jamming signals.
 8. A target animator according to claim 7, further characterized by said aiming device including tracking means and a remote-controlled installation, said servo means receiving signals from said disrupting signal generator means applied through said mixer to a first group of circuit means in said servo means for disrupting servo-loops specific to said tracking means, and a second group of circuit means receiving signals from said disrupting signal generator means and said tracking means to control a firing facility.
 9. A target animator according to claim 2, further characterized by synchronizing means linked with movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal generator means.
 10. A target animator in combination with a moving or stationary real target to enable an operator to obtain training in aiming at moving targets comprising a reAl target, an aiming device aimed along its optical axis on an aiming line at said real target, a firing platform supporting said aiming device and suitable to support the operator for aiming said aiming device, gear means connected to drive said firing platform having electrical means to control movement of said gear means, a disrupting signal generator means for simulating target movements by movement of the optical axis of said aiming device and thus causing movements of said optical axis and said real target connected to said electrical means whereby a trainee operator can move said aiming device to continuously compensate for the aforementioned relative movements of said optical axis and said real target.
 11. A target animator according to claim 10, further characterized by synchronizing means linked with the planned movements of said target connected to said disrupting signal generator means. 